The Sohela Durga Puja in Bargarh district, Odisha located on the border of the State with Chhattisgarh has several distinctive features, setting it apart from others. It personifies unity and brotherhood of Hindus and Muslims as the members of the minority community not only participate but are also part of the organising committee.

Sohela Puja has had this history for 78 years ever since it started in 1944 where Muslims play a major role in conducting and organising the rituals and the celebrations.

Talking to New Indian Express, Mohammad Rafique who is a former Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and Vice-President of Puja organising committee said: “I had started as an executive member years ago but for the last more than 10 years I am the vice-president of the Durga Puja committee.  Despite many disturbances between the two communities across the country, the harmony between the Hindu and Muslim community has never been compromised here in Sohela.”

In fact, according to him Ma Durga binds the community.

Besides symbolising communal harmony, in this Puja unlike others the idol is worshipped for nine days in the pandal as per traditional rituals.

Interestingly, while Puja celebrations are going on, the organising committee also conducts Ram Leela for nine days. Local residents of the place participate and act in the Ram Leela.

Another unusual aspect is that a person donning Ravana’s costume goes around the village sitting on a caparisoned elephant. He rules the village during these nine days and also holds a court.

Several events and competitions are also held during the festivities and more than a lakh people including visitors from Chhattisgarh come to enjoy this Durga Puja.